How to Use Your Cobra ESD Radar/Laser Detector Contents

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Page 1
How to Use Your Cobra
ESD Radar/Laser Detector
Contents
Introduction..................................................................A1
Safety Alert®/Strobe Alert™
Federal Law Governing Radar Detectors
Included Accessories
Controls & Indicators................................................A2
Our Thanks to You......................................................A3
Customer Support ...................................................A3
Features.............................................................................1
Installation.......................................................................2
Quick Start .......................................................................5
LED Displays..................................................................6
Operation..........................................................................9
Turning On....................................................................9
Dim Button.................................................................10
Highway/City Mode.................................................11
Muting Mode.............................................................12
Voice/Tone Settings.................................................13
Memory Set................................................................13
Aux. Audio Jack.........................................................13
Detection........................................................................14
Band Detection.........................................................14
Audible Alarm Indicator.........................................14
Radar.............................................................................15
VG-2 Undetectable..................................................15
Safety Alert/Strobe Alert .......................................16
Laser Detection.........................................................16
Radar/VG-2/Laser Alerts.........................................17
Facts About Safety Alert®/Strobe Alert™........18
Radar Frequencies....................................................19
Facts About Lidar (Laser).......................................20
Maintenance.................................................................20
Specifications...............................................................21
Limited One Year Warranty ...................................22
Optional Accessories................................................23
Order Form ....................................................................24
If You Think You Need Service.............Back Cover
Features of This Product
• Safety Alert® Traffic
Warning System
• Strobe Alert™
• Voice Alert
• Separate Visual and
Audio Alarms
• Laser Eye 360˚ Detection
• VG-2 Undetectable
• Auto and Manual Muting
• 3 Level Dim Button
• Audio Jack
• Superior Audio Volume
• Adjustable Windshield
Mounting Bracket
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Installation
Location
Installation
Location
Selecting the proper location to mount the Cobra
ESD-9200 is very important for optimum performance. Both radar and laser transmissions pass
through glass but not through other objects. For
this reason the Cobra ESD-9200 lenses must not
be blocked. The Laser Eye should have a view of
the rear window to take advantage of its 360˚
detection capability. It is best to locate your
detector as low on the front windshield as possible.
Windshield Mounting
Windshield
Mounting
1
Attach cups to
bracket.
2
Attach bracket to
windshield.
3
Attach detector
to bracket.
4
Bend bracket for
correct detection
angle (if needed).
Do not use the
ESD-9200 to bend
bracket.
5
Plug power cord
into detector.
6
Plug power cord
into cigarette lighter.
Examples of metal in the windshield area that can
block or weaken incoming radar/laser signals:
1.Windshield wiper blades.
2. Mirrored sun screens.
3. Regular tinted glass does not affect radar
reception,although the darker tint at the
top of the tinted windshield prevents laser
light from penetrating.
4. Heated windshields, currently available as
an option for some Ford® (Instaclear) and
GM® (Electriclear vehicles act as an impenetrable barrier to radar signals). If in doubt,
check with your dealer to see if this applies
to your vehicle.
2
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Installation
Quick Start
Dash Mounting
Dash
Mounting
Turn On and Adjust Volume
Turn On and
Adjust Volume
Note
1
1
Peel protective
paper off one side
of hook and loop
material.
2
Place on dash.
3
Peel top paper off.
4
Place detector on
hook and loop pad.
5
Plug power cord
into detector.
6
Plug power cord
into cigarette lighter.
Note
It will be easy for you to
remove and reinstall your
Cobra ESD-9200 detector at
any time using this hook
and loop material on the
dashboard.
Remember: Without the
means to adjust the angle
of the detector (when
mounted as above), be
sure you that your Cobra
ESD-9200 has a level,clear
view of the road before you
attach the hook and loop
material.
4
For your convenience
Display Dim, City/Highway,
and Muting mode settings
are retained in memory
even when the power is
unplugged.
Rotate ON-OFF Volume Control to left (away
from you). An audible “tone” will indicate the
unit is on.
PWR LED on front of unit
is illuminated.
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Quick Start
Quick Start
Set Display Brightness
Set Display
Brightness
Select from three levels of LED brightness for your
Cobra ESD-9200 display: Normal, Dim and Dark.
The ESD-9200’s state-of-the-art LEDs present clear
alerts even in sunlight.
Set Highway/City Mode
Set Highway/
City Mode
City
For urban driving–reduces number of X-Band
audible alerts.
LED Displays
Note
A three position Dim mode
is provided for dusk or
night driving (please see
Dim Button,page 14 for
details).
1
Press and release Dim button to select
normal setting. Press and release Dim button
twice to select Dim setting. Press and release
Dim button a third time to select Dark setting.
1
Press and release
CITY button.
CITY LED will illumina te orange while in
City mode
Highway
For all other driving.
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Quick Start
Operation
Set Muting Mode
Set Muting
Mode
Turning
On Your
ESD-9200
Turning On Your ESD-9200
Auto Muting
Automatically reduces volume of alert in progress
after 3 seconds.
Manual Muting
1
Press and release MUTE button to reduce
volume of alert in progress.
1
Plug power cord
into detector.
3
Rotate ON-OFF Volume Control to the left
(away from you). An audible “tone” will indicate the unit is on and the
PWR LED on the
front of the unit will illuminate orange.
2
Plug power cord
into cigarette lighter.
ON mode
To Switch Between Modes
1
Press and release MUTE Button when no
signal is being received.
One “beep”= Mute
Two “beep” = Auto Mute
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Operation
Dim Button
Operation
Dim Button
Highway/City Mode
You may select from three levels of brightness for
your Cobra ESD-9200 display: Normal, Dim, and Dark.
The Highway/City function is controlled by a
2-step button.The Highway mode is automatically
engaged when the unit is powered up. In the
City mode, false radar alerts will be reduced.
To engage City Mode:
1
Note
Normal = “Beep-Beep”
Dim = “Beep”
Dark = “Beep”
Press and release DIM button to reduce the
LED display brightness to Dim.A single beep
confirms dim led brightness.
1
2
Note
The ESD-9200 will retain
the chosen mode while
OFF.
3
10
Press and release DIM button again to turn
LED display off. A single beep confirms no LED
display. The power LED will stay on dim.
Press and release DIM button a third time to
return led display to Normal.A double beep
confirms normal LED brightness.
Press and release CITY button and the
LED on the front of the unit will illuminate
red. A single beep confirms City mode. The
X LED will be visible showing you are receiving
a signal.
CITY LED
will illuminate
orange while
in CITY mode.
To reactivate the Highway Mode:
1 Press and release
CITY button again.
A double beep confirms Highway Mode.
Highway/City
Mode
Note
Use City Mode in or near
cities where there are many
sources of false radar signals such as microwave
relay towers and automatic
door openers.This will filter
out weak signals.
Note
City =“Beep”
Highway =“Beep-Beep”
Note
The unit will announce
“Highway” or “City” in Voice
Mode.
Note
The ESD-9200 will retain
the chosen mode while
OFF.
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Operation
Muting Mode
Operation
Voice/Tone Settings
Muting Mode
Tone Alarm
And Voice
Alert
The ESD-9200 offers two Mute Modes; Auto and
Manual. To switch between these modes:
Note
Auto Mode
Mute=“Beep”
OR
Auto Mute=“Beep-Beep”
1
1
Note
In either mode the next
alarm will begin with normal volume.The ESD-9200
wil retain the chosen mode
while OFF.
Press and release MUTE button when no sig nal is being received. In Auto mode, the alarm
will be reduced in volume after three seconds.
Manual Mode
Press and hold MUTE button for two seconds
to change between Voice and Tone Alarms.
Memory Set
Memory Set
Remembers settings of Dim, Muting and
City/Highway modes and Voice vs.Tone.
Auxiliary Audio Jack
1
12
Press and release
volume.
MUTE button to reduce
Use to connect an external speaker to your Cobra
ESD-9200 in environments with high ambient
noise levels. The internal speaker will be disconnected. The audio output will be voice or tone
depending on your selection.
Auxiliary
Audio Jack
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Detection
Begin Band
Detection
Detection
Band Detection
Radar
This detector is designed to detect X, K,
Superwide Ka Band Radar, Laser (including LTI
2 0 - 2 0 * ,U l t ra Lyte* and ProLaser* technologies),
VG-2, Safety Alert and Strobe Alert* signals.
The display will show the band (X,K/Ka). The signal
strength will first be indicated by the band being
illuminated, then the band plus , finally the band
plus and will be illuminated. At the same time
the frequency of the beeps will increase.
*360˚ Detection
Radar
Audible Alarm Audible Alarm Speaker
A different alert tone will sound for X, K, Ka,Laser
Speaker and
(plus a distinctly different tone for each of the three
Voice Alert
laser signals: LTI 20-20, Ultra Lyte and ProLaser),
VG-2, and Safety and Strobe Alert signals.
Voice Alert
Instant-On Detection
The ESD-9200 will also announce the reception of
these signals with the statement,”Be careful...X Alert,
K Alert,Ka Alert, Laser Alert,VG-2 Alert, Emergency
Vehicle Approaching, Road Hazard Ahead,Train
Approaching and Emergency Vehicle Approaching.”
The Cobra ESD-9200 is also designed to detect
Instant-on speed monitoring signals. Immediate
action is required when warning is given.
VG-2 Alert
VG-2 Undetectable
The Cobra ESD-9200 is undetectable by police VG-2
detection devices. It will alert you when one is in
use near your vehicle. During this time, the unit is
still on full alert and able to detect other signals.
Note
The display does not
indicate signal strength.
The VG-2 LED on the front of the unit will
illuminate yellow.
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Detection
Detection
Safety Alert® Traffic Warning System
Safety Alert®
Traffic Warning and Strobe Alert™
Indicator “W” is illuminated.
System and
Strobe Alert™
Laser Detection Laser Eye 360˚ Detection
with 360˚
Laser Eye
Indicator “L” is illuminated.
Note
The display does not
indicate signal strength.
Laser will trigger 3 distinct audible signals;one
each for LTI 20-20,Ultra Lyte and ProLaser.
16
Radar/VG-2/Laser Alerts
Type of Audible Signal
Interpretation and Response
Your COBRA ESD-9200 starts to signal
slowly, then increases in rate very
rapidly.
Most likely police radar.
FULL ALERT.
Your COBRA ESD-9200
signals just once.
Most likely a false sour ce, or could be
pulsed radar. Exercise Caution.
Very fast signal rate instantly.
Radar or VG-2 close by has been
suddenly switched on. FULL ALERT.
Slow signal rate as you approach
hill or bridge. Sharp increase in signal
rate as you reach hill or bridge .
Most likely police radar on other side
of hill or bridge. FULL ALERT.
Short-term, weak signaling;
series of such signals.
Most likely a false radar sour ce.
Exercise Caution.
Laser will trigger 3 distinct audible
signals;one each for LTI 20-20,Ultra
Lyte and ProLaser.
Use Full Caution.There are no false
laser signals.
Safety Alert and Strobe Alert ha ve
their own unique “European
Emergency” signal.
An emergency vehicle is approaching,
you are in the vicinity of a railroad
crossing, or you are approaching a
road hazard (construction sit e, accident scene, etc.).
Radar/VG-2/
Laser Alerts
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Detection
Detection
Facts About the Safety Alert® Traffic
Facts About
®
Warning
System
Safety Alert
FCC-approved
Safety Alert Transmitters emit
Traffic Warning
microwave radar signals to indicate the presence of a
System
safety-related concern. Depending on the frequency of
Note
Strobe Alert™ is available
in over 1,000 cities and
works with Tomar and
Opticom systems. Call your
local Fire/Police department for your area coverage or area in which you
will be traveling.
these signals, as set on the transmitter, the outgoing
signal can indicate whether the transmitter is on a
speeding emergency vehicle or train,or at a stationary
road hazard location. These microwave signals are
located in the K-band and as a result, any radar detector which detects K-band radar will detect these Safety
signals as standard K-band radar alerts . However, unlike
a standard radar detector, your Cobra ESD-9000 is
designed to differentiate between a standard K-band
alert and a Safety Alert warning.
Safety technology is relatively new so the number of
transmitters in operation is still growing. You may not
receive Safety Alert on a daily basis and should not be
surprised to encounter some emergency vehicles, road
hazards or trains not yet equipped with these transmitters, therefore failing to provide a signal. As Safety
Transmitters become more prevalent (the number of
operating transmitters is growing every day),these
Safety Alerts will become more common. The Safety
Alert Transmitter is in use in all 50 states in limited
quantities.
Radar Frequencies
Radar
Frequencies
There are now three frequencies that have been
approved by the FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) for use in speed monitoring
equipment. They are:
X Band (10.525 GHz),K Band (24.150 GHz)
Ka Band (33.400-36.000 GHz)
Your Cobra ESD-9200 can detect signals in all
three radar bands including photo radar and
STALKER radar which use the Ka band, and
Cobra’s Safety Alert signals on the K band.
Facts About LIDAR (Laser)
Facts About
LIDAR (Laser)
What is LIDAR?
LIDAR stands for Light Detection And Ranging.
While everyone refers to it as LASER the correct
name is LIDAR.
LIDARs must have a clear
line of sight to target a
vehicle during the entire
measurement interval.
Intervening objects such as
signposts, utility poles, tree
branches, etc.,will prevent
a valid speed reading.
How does LIDAR work?
LIDAR operates a lot like RADAR.Like RADAR,it
spreads out. Not as quickly, but it does spread, as
shown on the diagram below.
Facts About Strobe Alert™
Alerts motorists to over 50,000 emergency vehicles
equipped with strobe transmitters that activ ate red
lights at traffic intersections in emergency high speed
situations.
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Detection
Facts About
LIDAR (Laser)
Maintenance
MicroTalk Specifications
Does weather have any effect on LIDAR?
Yes, rain,snow, smoke, fog, and airborne dust
particles will all reduce the effective range, and
if sufficiently dense, may prevent its operation.
Can LIDAR operate through glass?
No, LIDAR guns cannot obtain readings through
any glass. But the laser pulse can be received
through glass to easily and quickly trigger a laser
detector's alarm.
Can LIDAR operate while moving?
No, since LIDAR is line of sight, an officer cannot
drive, aim,and shoot while driving.
Is a LIDAR DETECTOR legal to use?
Yes, it is legal in all 50 states.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications
A.FREQUENCIES
1. X BAND
10.525 GHz ± 50 MHz
2. K BAND
24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz
3. Ka BAND
33.4 - 36.0 GHz
4. VG-2
11.4 GHz - 11.7 GHz
5. Safety Alert
24.07,24.11,24.19 GHz
6. LTI 20-20 Laser
300 THz - 375 THz
7. Strobe Alert
300 THz - 770 THz
8. Ultra Lyte
300 THz - 375 THz
9. ProLaser
300 THz - 375 THz
Maintenance
Your COBRA ESD-9200 RADAR/LASER DETECTOR
will give you years of trouble-free service with
minimum maintenance.
Replacing Power Cord Fuse
Unscrew cap of cigarette lighter adapter and
remove fuse. Replace with 1-ampere fuse only.
Troubleshooting
If your COBRA LASER DETECTOR ESD-9200 isn’t
operating, we suggest you make the following
checks:
1. Is the power cord properly connected?
2. Is the fuse OK?
3. Is the cigarette lighter socket clean and free
from corrosion?
20
B. UNIT DIMENSIONS
3-3/16”W x 1-1/4”H x 5”D
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Limited One Year Warranty
Cobra Electronics
Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, Illinois 60707
www.cobraelec.com
COBRA ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants that its
COBRA 9 Band Radar/Laser Detec tors, and the component
parts thereof, will be free of defects in wor kmanship and
materials for period of one (1) year from the date of first
consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the
first consumer purchaser, provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.
COBRA will,without charge, repair or replace, at its option,
defective 9 Band Radar/Laser Detec tors, products or component parts upon delivery to the COBRA factory Service
Department, accompanied by proof of the date of first
consumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales
receipt.
You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship
the product for warranty service, but the return charges
will be at Cobra's expense, if the product is repaired or
replaced under warranty.
Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply; 1) to any
product damaged by accident;2) in the event of misuse or
abuse of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs;3) if the serial number has been altered,
defaced or removed;4) if the owner of the product resides
outside the U.S.A.
All implied warranties, including warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
are limited in duration to the length of this warranty.
COBRA shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages;including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of
installation.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an
implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the e xclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
22
Optional Accessories
Straight 12V DC Power Cord
Includes plug and fuse
420-080-N-001
$10.00
Windshield Mounting Bracket
Includes suction cups
545-139-N-001
$7.00
Curled 12V DC Power Cord
Includes plug and fuse
420-080-N-002
$10.00
You Can Find These Fine Accessories At Your Local
Cobra Dealer
If you wish, you can order directly from Cobra.
Order by phone
Call 1.773.889.3087 (Press 1 from the main menu)
8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F CST. )
Order by mail or fax
Please fill out order form on next page, and mail/fax
directly to Cobra.
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Accessory Order Form
Item #
Description
Cost Ea. Qty.
420-080-N-001
420-080-N-002
545-139-N-001
Straight 12V Power Cord
Curled 12V Power Cord
Windshield Mounting Bracket
$10.00
$10.00
$7.00
Prices subject to change without notice.
Tax Table
Illinois residents add 7%
Cook Co. residents add .75% (7.75% total)
Chicago residents add 1% (8.75% total)
Indiana residents add 5%
Michigan residents add 4 %
Minnesota residents add 6%
Ohio residents add 6%
Wisconsin residents add 5%
For credit card orders fill out order form
and fax to: 1.773.622.2269
or call 1.773.889.3087
(Press 1 from the main menu)
8:00 am - 8:00 pm,M-F, CST.
Subtotal
(Tax if applicable)
Shipping/handling $4.00
Total
Make check or money order (no stamps)
payable to:
Cobra Electronics
6500 West Cortland St.
Chicago, IL 60707
Attn:Accessories Dept.
Please print clearly
Name
Address (No P.O. Box)
City
State
Zip
Telephone (
)
Credit Card No.
Exp. Date
Customer Signature
Circle One: Visa MasterCard Discover
Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in Continental U.S.only.
24
Amount
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Introduction
MicroTalk
© 1999 Cobra Electronics Corporation
6500 West Cortland Street
Chicago, IL 60707
www.cobraelec.com
If You Think You Need Service
For technical assistance,please call our Automated Help Desk which can assist
you by answering the most frequently asked questions about Cobra products.
(773) 889-3087
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A Consumer Service Representative can be reached through this same number 8:00 am - 8:00 pm,
Monday through Friday, CST.
Technical assistance is also available on-line in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section at
www.cobraelec.com or by e-mail to productinfo@cobraelec.com
Introduction
and Strobe Alert™
Operating Instructions for your Cobra
9 Band Extra Sensory Detection
Radar/Laser Detector
Model ESD-9200
If you think you need service call 1.773.889.3087
“If your product should require factory service please call Cobra first before sending your unit in.
This will ensure the fastest turn-around time on your repair.”
You may be asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory. It will be necessary to furnish the following in order to have the product serviced and returned.
1. For Warranty Repair include some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a mechanical reproduction
or carbon or a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt it cannot be returned.
2. Send the entire product.
3. Enclose a description of what is happening with the unit.Include a typed or clearly print name
and address of where the unit is to be returned.
4. Pack unit securely to prevent damage in transit. If possible, use the original packing material.
5. Ship prepaid and insured by way of a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS) or First
Class Mail to: Cobra Factory Service, Cobra Electronics Corporation,6500 W. Cortland St., Chicago,
IL 60707.
6. If the unit is in warranty, upon receipt of your unit it will either be repaired or exchanged
depending on the model. Please allow approximately 3 to 4 weeks before contacting us for
status. If the unit is out of war ranty a letter will automatically be sent informing you of the
repair charge or replacement charge. If you have any questions, please call 1.773.889.3087 for
assistance.
Use of this product is not intended to, and does not,ensure that
the motorist and any passenger
will not be involved in a traffic
accident. It is only intended to
alert the motorist that an emergency or service vehicle equipped
with a CODE 3,Strobe (Opticom*
or Tomar Preemption System)
or Cobra Safety Alert Transmitter
is in the area as defined by the
range of the product.Please call
your local Fire/Police department
to verify if coverage exists in your
area.Motorists are expected to
exercise all due caution while
using this product, and to observe and follow all applicable
traffic laws. Operators of emergency or service vehicles are also
expected to exercise
all due caution while using this
product, and to observe and
follow all applicable traffic laws.
*Opticom is a registered trademark
of 3M Corporation
1.
2.
Congratulations! You have just purchased the
most sophisticated RADAR/LASER DETECTOR
available today. This booklet contains instructions
and information designed so that you will be able
to understand how the Cobra ESD™-9200 works
and how radar and (LIDAR) laser are used. Enjoy
your Cobra ESD-9200 Radar/Laser Detector and
drive safely.
Federal Law Governing Use of
Radar Detectors
It is not against Federal Law to receive radar
transmissions on your COBRA Radar Detector.
The Communications Act of 1934 guarantees
your right to receive radio transmissions on
any frequency. Local laws that contravene the
Communications Act of 1934,while illegal,may
be enforced by your local law enforcement officials until and unless they are prohibited from
doing so by Federal Court action.
WARNING: Before leaving your car, make sure
that you conceal your radar detector. This will
reduce the possibility of break-in and theft of
your unit.
Included with your ESD-9200
3.
1. Windshield Bracket
2. Hook and Loop Material
3. Power Cord
© 1999 Cobra Electronics Corp.
Printed in Thailand
Part No. 480-298-P-001
Nothing comes close to a Cobra™
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Controls and Indicators
Our Thanks to You
1. On/Off Volume Control
Thank you for purchasing the Cobra ESD-9200
Radar/Laser Detector. Properly used, this Cobra
product will give you many years of reliable
service.
7
2. Mute Button
3. Dim Button
4. Audio Alerts Speaker
4
5. Highway/City Button
Customer Support
6. Band Indicators
7. Laser Eye
1
3
2
11
8. Signal Strength LEDs
5
9. Windshield Bracket
Mount
10. 12V DC Power Jack
11. Audio Jack
6
8
Should you encounter any problems with the
product or not understand its many features,
please refer to this owner’s manual. If, after
referring to the manual, you still need help,
call Cobra Customer Service at 773.889.3087.
Cobra Customer Service
Live operators are available
M-F 8:00 am - 8:00 pm CST
at: 773.889.3087
Automated Technical
Assistance available 24 hours
a day,seven days a week.
E-mail questions to:
productinfo@cobraelec.com
Cobra on the World Wide Web:
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ) can be found on-line
at: www.cobraelec.com
The Cobra line of quality products
also includes:
• CB Radios
• MicroTalk™ Radios
• Accessories
• SafetyAlert™
Traffic Warning Systems
9
Nothing comes close to a Cobra™
10
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